A new contender is emerging to challenge the popular series “Heated Rivalry” in the form of “Off Campus,” a Canadian-themed hockey drama adapted from best-selling books by Toronto author Elle Kennedy. The show, currently leading on Amazon Prime Video in Canada, tells the story of music student Hannah Wells and hockey player Garrett Graham, whose tutoring arrangement leads to a blossoming romance amidst campus tensions and sports drama.
Key highlights include the fact that Elle Kennedy, the author of the “Off Campus” novels, is Canadian and also serves as a producer for the TV adaptation. Born and raised in Toronto, Kennedy pursued her passion for writing from a young age and has since authored nearly 50 contemporary novels. The series was predominantly shot in Vancouver, standing in for the fictional Briar University in Boston, with locations like the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre and the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre featured prominently.
Moreover, Canadian band The Beaches received a significant boost in popularity after their song “Edge of the Earth” was showcased in an episode of “Off Campus,” leading to a substantial increase in streams. The band’s references in the show have further solidified their connection with the audience.
The show boasts a Canadian-heavy cast and crew, with actors like Stephen Kalyn, Dylan Kingwell, and Julia Sarah Stone hailing from various Canadian cities. Behind the scenes, executive producer Leanna Billings from Fredericton and co-executive producer Ian Deitchman from Montreal have played pivotal roles in bringing the series to life. Director Dawn Wilkinson, known for her work on other popular shows, led an all-female team during the first season of “Off Campus.”
“Off Campus” is not just a hit series but a testament to Canadian talent both on and off the screen, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the country’s entertainment industry.
